Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician

Quality Assurance Lab Technician – Berkeley Yeast – San Jose, CA

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented laboratory professional who is excited about the intersection of beer and cutting-edge science to join our team.

About the Position

The QA/QC Lab Technician supports our manufacturing operations (note: this role is not in the R&D lab). The primary focus is maintaining culture integrity, executing seed trains, and ensuring product quality through consistent lab practices and documentation.

You will work closely with the propagation and packaging teams to ensure every yeast pitch meets internal and customer-facing quality standards. This role requires strong attention to detail, consistency in repetitive tasks, and strict adherence to aseptic technique, documentation, and SOPs. Unlike many lab roles, this position works directly alongside production, with visibility into the full lifecycle of the product, from culture to customer.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Repetitive, high-precision lab work is a core part of this role
• Strict adherence to SOPs, aseptic technique, documentation, and process control is required
• Work is closely integrated with production operations and timelines
• Daily priorities may shift based on production needs, QC results, or customer timelines; flexibility and adaptability are important

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain and propagate yeast cultures (freezer stock to 20-liter scale)
• Perform cell counts and viability assessments (microscopy and automated counter)
• Prepare media (agar plates and liquid media)
• Plate samples for quality monitoring
• Conduct fermentation assays
• Perform aseptic sampling
• Maintain detailed and accurate records (including COAs)
• Operate autoclaves safely
• Support root cause investigations
• Maintain lab organization and cleanliness

Secondary Responsibilities

• Clean-in-place (CIP) harvest vessels and yeast handling equipment
• General facility cleaning and organization
• Equipment setup and assembly
• Interdepartmental support as needed

What We're Looking For

• Strong team-oriented mindset; takes ownership of shared outcomes
• Ability to work independently while maintaining quality and safety standards
• Comfort following SOPs with high consistency
• High attention to detail and documentation accuracy
• Strong time management and ability to handle multiple workflows
• Commitment to aseptic technique, quality, and process control
• Clear communication and positive, collaborative attitude
• Efficiency-minded with a focus on throughput and quality
• Ability to interpret results in the context of production processes and identify opportunities for improvement or corrective action
• Curiosity and analytical thinking; able to use data and observations to make informed recommendations
• And of course, an enthusiasm for beer and science!

Requirements

• Previous wet lab experience (academic or industry)
• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs repeatedly
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Basic computer proficiency (email, spreadsheets, documentation)
• Strong record-keeping and documentation skills
• Availability: Sunday to Thursday or Monday to Friday
• Typical shifts: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Preferred Experience

• Root cause analysis and structured problem-solving (e.g., CAPA)
• Familiarity with quality systems and food/manufacturing standards (e.g., GMP, HACCP)
• Experience working in regulated or production environments
• Exposure to ERP or inventory management systems
• Brewery, fermentation, or food production experience

Compensation and Benefits

• $50,000-$60,000 per year (compensation commensurate with experience)
• Medical and dental insurance 
• Matching 401K after 1 year of employment
• Commuter benefits
• Paid time off

Who We Are

Berkeley Yeast is a yeast innovation company developing novel brewing strains using advanced genetic techniques. Our strains are designed to produce targeted flavor and aroma compounds during fermentation (tropical, citrus, floral, herbaceous, dank, spicy, etc.) while improving performance attributes such as reduced off-flavors (e.g., diacetyl), faster fermentation, and control over flocculation and attenuation.

Our goal is to give brewers better tools to make great beer while saving time, reducing cost, and lowering environmental impact.